11 Ups & 4 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Dec 4)

2. In Which Daniel Bryan Becomes CJ Parker 2.0

Daniel Bryan AJ Styles The Miz
WWE.com

Good lord was this a tremendous episode of Miz TV.

An early R-Truth/Carmella dance break threatened to derail proceedings before they got started, but didn't. Instead, Miz launched into his backstory with Daniel Bryan, leading to the WWE Champion's arrival and most confident heel promo yet. This was excellent stuff. Daniel spat fire at the fans, put over his new state of mind, and claimed the sins of those in attendance (those who 'harm the Earth every day with mass consumption and climate damage') are greater crimes than booting AJ Styles in the d*ck. The old Bryan is dead, the 'Yes!' movement is dead, and he is now both the WWE Champion and 'The New Daniel Bryan.'

The champ's turn from face to heel brings a new dynamic to his relationship with The Miz, though it's clear they'll never be friends. Bryan thrust his greatest foe into 'The Phenomenal One' when he hit the scene. This allowed the Skull Crushing Finale that effectively established Miz vs. Styles for later in the show, and closing the segment on a great visual.

Bryan continues to deliver as a heel. Dipping into CJ Parker territory with the environmentalist content fits WWE's modus operandi too, and makes him an effective foil for God-fearing southern boy AJ Styles. It isn't a villainous stance in itself, but Daniel is so whiny he makes it so, and he knows how to use it to draw heat.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.